Held twice yearly (once in mid-Summer, and now in the depths of Winter) on the same site as Oktoberfest, Tollwood is a massive cultural festival in Munich. Do not confuse this, the winter version with a traditional Munich Christmas Market however, as although it has bazaar stalls aplenty, Tollwood feels like anything but (and although it has a dedicated following, it tends to be a little off the tourist’s Christmas Market to do list!) To me, it definitely has much much more of a World music festival vibe, and I am happy to say that after two years of living here, we finally managed to make it there….
Tollwood focusses its gaze on a variety of things, from worldwide environmental issues, the celebration of cultural diversity, theatre, global sounds and global food (all of which must be organic if you want to sell it here by the way)… What nicer way to spend a Sunday lunchtime than in a tent made to look like a birch forest, whilst listening to live music, nursing a spiced apple gluhwein and enjoying a plate of food the diversity of which you haven’t had since you lived in London?
There is something for all the family too, with art areas for small people to be creative, platforms set aside for tiny dancers, and an atmosphere that welcomes everyone from every age.
Tollwood, the perfect antidote for those that might have overdosed on the more usual winter Markets…
Rachel says
I do love Tollwood, but this year has felt so FULL. It’s been a constant battle against the crowds to get to a Glühwein stand!
bavaria says
I can’t wait to see the summer one now, but will agree that on certain days it has been quite busy (understatement!), but when we went during the week it was perfect! :D
Adelina @ PackMeTo says
This sounds like a great break from the normal overload of Christmas-ness! Thanks for linking up to the Sunday Traveler!
bavaria says
Thanks Adelina! Living in Munich, you often need that during Christmas Market Central season! :)
A Southern Gypsy says
The birch forest tent looks ahhh-mazing! Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler this week! :)
bavaria says
It is a really nice place to spend an afternoon! Thank you for commenting! :)
Mrs. Chasing the Donkey says
Heya there! So glad you were able to come over and link up with me. I got your message about the badge, sorry about it not working. The text link is great. I’ve just pinned this to my Sunday Traveler & Round the world boards. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
bavaria says
Thank you… Not sure what the problem is with it, but it seems like it’s not just me (which makes me feel better!) :D
helloitsgemma says
oh I like the look of this a lot. Am I an old hippy? probably.
bavaria says
I must be too then! Thanks Gemma :)
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
The colours in those photos make me want to jump in a plane and join you. Sounds fantastic.
bavaria says
Next year!? Thanks Trish! :)
older mum in a muddle says
That looks great! Love the idea of sitting among all those silver birches…. looks rather magical…. meanwhile in England its windy and raining. X
bavaria says
Sunny, and bitterly cold here… I hope it cheers up soon enough at home! xx
Mari says
Every time I land on your blog I want to be in Munich or wherever you are, I love this exhibition? market? Festival? It looks so much fun
bavaria says
Thank you lovely. It’s a mixture of all three this place, it’s great! :)
Emma @emvanstone says
That looks like so much fun, you do have such great experiences. Did the kids like it?
bavaria says
They haven’t actually been yet, but I know they will love it! Thank you! :) x
Donna @ Little Lilypad Co says
I know I always say it but you have the most fabulous adventures with the most amazing photos.
Not envious at all.
bavaria says
Aw thank you Donna! :) xx
Grace says
The Womad of Christmas Markets! x
bavaria says
Too true Mum, too true! :) xx
Aly says
You get to t go to some great places Emma.I really love the one of the couple by the market stall.
bavaria says
Thank you Aly… Do you know, I hadnt’t even noticed them! :D
Ali at : agreenerlifeforus.com says
oh – totally SO photogenic, beautiful shots :)
bavaria says
Thanks so much Ali… :)
Swazi says
lovely photos that really capture what looks like a magical day out :)
bavaria says
Thank you Swazi :)
Pinkoddy says
We really need to travel more and so I shall add this to my time/places to visit – thank you for sharing :)
bavaria says
Thank you J! :)
Midlife Singlemum says
The wire sculpture of the animals is amazing.
bavaria says
Thank you Rachel, I have a slightly different pic of this coming up! :)
maggy, red ted art says
Oooh looks like a GREAT day out! :-)
bavaria says
Thanks Maggy! :)
globalmouse says
What a brilliant festival…definitely one to add to my (ever growing) wish list!! Really great photos too!
bavaria says
Thanks so much! :)
fritha says
ooh it looks really fun! love that sculpture! x
bavaria says
Thanks Fritha! :)
Keri-Anne says
Oh, that birch forest tent!!!! Wowee! This looks wonderful x
bavaria says
Thanks Keri! I think I could spend the whole day in there! :) x
Mammasaurus says
You had me at the Bratwurst sign in that first photo! Fab photos – if only I could get on a plane!
bavaria says
Poor you… I wish you could too. Maybe next year! x
domestic goddesque says
I am sure that we only see the highlights of your life but goodness, I covet it x
bavaria says
You definitely definitely only see the highlights! :D Thank you x
jenny paulin says
what a wonderful festival and there is so much to see and do. I love the woodland inside the tent with those stump seats! nice day for it too x
bavaria says
Thanks Jenny! :) x
Liz Burton says
You have the MOST fun! That looks so cool.
bavaria says
Thanks Liz! :) x
Sally Sellwood (@Recipejunkie27) says
It looks fantastic fun :-)
bavaria says
It is brilliant fun… Thanks Sally, hope all is going well with the move! :)
Louisa says
I love the tent with the trees! Fab idea. Love that it has a bit of everything going on.
bavaria says
So atmospheric! Thanks Louisa! :)
Funky Wellies says
Wow, that looks fantastic! Shame that I cannot make it for this winter edition but will definitely try to come in the summer next year. :) xx
bavaria says
That would be brilliant! Let me know! :) xx
Helen The good life mum says
your always out and about doing the most exciting things what vitamins do you take i would love some of your energy x
bavaria says
It’s not always exciting :D Thank you though! xx